Rule of the day: Continuation after defensive rebound

With the first season of Abu Dhabi 3×3 Basketball Tour near the corner, we want to make you familiar with the international rules of this discipline. With the “Rule of the day” column we will take through each important regulation. Today’s rule: Check ball situation.

If the defensive team rebounds the ball, it must return the ball behind the arc (by passing or dribbling).

The defensive team is not allowed to attack the basket directly after the rebound. Even in the case of an air ball by the offensive team, the defensive team must clear the ball behind the 3 point line.

3×3 basketball is a 10 minute sprint. With a 12 second shot-clock every second counts. So clearing the ball behind the arc as quick as possible is one of the keys of the game.

Passing or dribbling the ball fast beyond the 3 point line can surprise the opponent and offer good offensive opportunities for the team with the ball.

On the other hand, the team that just lost the ball and is now in defense, can cut the ways to the arc for the team with the ball, this being a usual defense tactic in 3×3 basketball.

Note: The defensive team is not allowed to play for the ball in the “no-charge semi-circle area” underneath the basket.